Moonflower (Ipomoea alba) - A fragrant spectacle in record time

As the day draws to a close and most garden plants shut their blossoms, this exotic climbing plant really begins its grand show! The moonflower, also known as moon vine or white morning glory. (botanically Ipomoea alba, formerly known by the old name Calonyction album) is a true beauty from the genus of morning glories and transforms balmy summer evenings into a magical experience.

Scope of delivery: Young plant in a 7cm pot.

Shipping from May 18, 2026

One of the most beautiful flowering plants ever

In English-speaking countries, it is called "Tropical white morning-glory" - but in fact, it is the undisputed queen of the night. For me personally, it is one of the most fascinating and breathtaking flowering plants you can bring into your garden or onto your balcony. Its gigantic, pure white and velvety-looking blossoms reach an impressive size of up to 15 centimeters and are streaked with elegant, delicate greenish stripes. It celebrates its absolute flowering peak in mid-year, precisely when the days are longest and we prefer to spend our evenings outdoors.

The evening spectacle: Blossom magic in record time

Probably the most spectacular thing about the moon vine is its rhythm. As soon as dusk sets in, it awakens to life. The large buds open at such a speed that you can literally watch it happen! The entire bloom unfolds within just 15 minutes.

Once fully open, it emits a wonderful, intoxicating scent that attracts moths and enchants the senses. A particularly magical detail: countless small dewdrops form in the deep center of the flower, glittering in the pale evening or moonlight and giving the flower an almost fairytale-like aura.

Mystery & An ancient secret of the Maya

Even in the Victorian era, the moonflower was the absolute star in so-called "moonlight gardens" - special gardens that were planted only with white-flowering, nocturnal plants for strolling in the moonlight.

But it harbors an even older, almost incredible secret: the ancient high cultures of Mesoamerica, such as the Maya and Aztecs, used precisely this plant for their famous, ritual ball games! They discovered that the sulfur-containing sap of Ipomoea alba, mixed with the resin of the rubber tree, produces an elastic mass. Thus, with the help of the moonflower, they invented the world's first functional rubber - over 3,000 years before modern vulcanization was discovered!

Growth, Care & The right way to handle the roots

The moonflower grows as a vigorous climbing plant and easily conquers fences, trellises, or obelisks in pots. For it to unfold its full splendor, you should observe the following tips:

• The perfect location: As a true tropical plant, it loves full sun and warmth. Give it the warmest spot on your terrace or in your garden.

• Watering & Fertilizing: Anyone who grows so rapidly and produces such gigantic flowers is mighty hungry and thirsty! Keep the soil consistently moist on warm summer days (but avoid waterlogging). During the growth phase, it also appreciates regular fertilization (approx. every 1 to 2 weeks) so it doesn't run out of steam.

• The Root Tip (Repotting): The fine roots of the moonflower are little darlings. Be sure to wait to repot into a larger container until the current pot is completely rooted through. This way, the root ball stays perfectly together during the move. Then simply place it very carefully into the new soil, without tearing or loosening the ball.

• Perennial through winter: In our latitudes, it is often only grown as an annual, but it doesn't have to be! The moonflower is perennial if you bring it indoors before the first frost. It can be overwintered wonderfully in a bright and cool place so that the nightly floral spectacle can continue directly next summer.

Bring a piece of nocturnal magic and ancient history home with the moonflower and experience your very own private, fragrant nature cinema every summer evening!